The Saskatchewan Rattlers, Saskatoon's professional basketball franchise, are making a significant change in their front office. The team announced this week that they will not be renewing the contract of General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations Barry Rawlyk.
End of a Seven-Year Era
Rawlyk's departure marks the end of a seven-season tenure with the Rattlers, dating back to 2018. His roles evolved over the years; notably, he served as the lead assistant coach during the team's championship-winning 2019 season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The organization acknowledged his contributions in a news release, stating he brought a deep knowledge of Canadian basketball and valuable relationships across the province that aided the club's operations and player development.
The team expressed well-wishes for Rawlyk and his family and thanked him for supporting a smooth transition. When contacted for comment on Monday, Rawlyk declined to speak on the matter.
A Pillar of Saskatchewan Basketball
Barry Rawlyk is a deeply rooted figure in Saskatchewan's basketball community. His legacy includes nearly two decades coaching the Holy Cross Crusaders high school team to numerous city and provincial titles. He also spent 15 years with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men's basketball program, serving as head coach for 12 seasons beginning in 2010 after three years as an assistant.
This front-office move is the second major change for the Rattlers since the conclusion of the 2025 CEBL season. Shortly after the campaign ended, the team also announced that the contract of team president Lee Genier would not be renewed.
Looking Ahead: New GM and a Potential Rebrand
The Rattlers have now officially begun their search for a new general manager to guide the team's basketball operations. This leadership shift comes amidst signals of a potential broader rebranding for the franchise.
Observers have noted that the team's online and social media presence has been gradually phasing out the "Rattlers" name in favor of a more generic "Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club" branding. This suggests that a new team identity could be part of the organization's future plans as it restructures its leadership.
